After making the mistake of glancing over at Easton again, at the exact moment a tear falls down his cheek, I lose it, choking back my own tears during the entire goddamn ceremony. Thankfully, I snuck my makeup bag into the bathroom near the reception so I can do a touch-up.
The ceremony runs for about thirty minutes, and when Easton and Paige kiss, I cheer them on while my heart cracks. There’s no “working things out” when it comes to Sal and me. It’s too messed up for that. We just witnessed our future become more complicated than one could ever imagine. The best we can be is friends.
The officiant presents Easton and Paige as husband and wife, and Easton scoops Isaac into his arms as they do the rounds, all of them beaming with happiness, my grumpy brother unable to wipe the smile off his face. I watch them with so much love swirling around my heart that my own troubles easily wash away.
They’ve been through so much and found their happy ending. That’s all that matters today.
Before moving on to the reception, the photographer tries to get a few staged shots of Easton with his family and friends, but he refuses point-blank, giving her nothing until she’s forced to walk away. He relaxes when she’s gone, and I laugh when I catch her hiding behind a tree, snapping shot after shot of him candidly enjoying the moment.
I sneak away to get my first drink for the day—other than the small glass of champagne the girls and I had to toast Paige—and I’ve just taken my first sip when Sal’s son, Marc, sidles up to me again, his smile tight as he unabashedly rakes his eyes all over my body.
“What’s a girl like you doing alone at the bar?” He winks, his words slightly slurred before the night has even begun.
I raise an eyebrow, hiding my concern. For now. “A girl like me?”
“Yeah. You’re fucking gorgeous and you know it. I can’t believe I’m the only guy over here.”
“I believe we’ve had this conversation already. I’m off-limits, remember?”
Marc frowns, his gaze dropping to my hands. “I don’t see a ring. Are you a maneater or something?” He chuckles to himself and… What the hell? It’s been less than a week. How is it possible he has no idea who I am?
“I’m something. And you seem to have forgotten what that something is. Rest assured, you won’t have to wait lo?—”
“Marc.” Sal’s deep voice cuts in from behind me and I smile. There’s one of my protectors, right on cue. I knew it would be either him or Easton that came over as soon as they noticed us talking. “You better not be annoying Keeley.”
“Keeley?” Marc’s eyes widen before they crinkle as he smiles.
“That’s me.” I wave as I smile back at him, and Sal’s gaze travels toward the sky.
“Jesus Christ. We spoke the other night. How the fuck did I forget that?”
“I’m wondering the same.”
“Sorry.” He cringes and leans in, whispering in my ear. “I was pretty fucking high if I’m being honest.”
“Oh-kay.” My eyes meet Sal’s over Marc’s head, and I can tell by his murderous expression that he heard what was said.
“Did I hit on you? I’m sure I would have, because, well, look at you.”
“Thank you.”I think.“You did. Hit on me. And?—”
“Marc.” Sal steps between us, subtly moving me backward.
“Shit. I almost forgot you were there, Dad. You’re cramping my style.”
“Believe it or not, I’m not here for you. I need Keeley for something.”
“Do the off-limits rules not apply to you, old man?”
I suppress a snort as Sal’s nostrils flare ever so slightly.
“We work together, Marc. Our situations are vastly different.”
“Maybe so…but that doesn’t mean everything’s aboveboard.” Marc raises an eyebrow while I quickly glance away, almost certain my amused reaction is going to give us away.
“Marc,” Sal warns again.
“What?” Marc raises his hands in the air. “I’m kidding. Keeley knows I’m kidding. Don’t you, Keeley?”
